With friendly people, great food, a diverse range of destinations and an extremely low price-point, Thailand is my favorite place in the world to travel. I’ve visited the kingdom on five separate occasions so far, and have plans to return again in a few months (albeit, mostly, for dental work).

If you’re pondering a trip to Thailand, but don’t know where to start – or, end, for that matter – this sample Thailand itinerary is a great place to begin, particularly if you can devote at least two weeks to your trip.

Bangkok

The Thai capital Bangkok is where you’re almost certain to arrive in Thailand – it’s home to Suvarnabhumi, the country’s largest international airport – and although conventional tourist wisdom says to avoid spending too much time in this huge, congested city, I urge you to consider otherwise.

Cumulatively, I’ve spent over four months in the Thai capital, but you can see the best of Bangkok in just three days if you’ve got time constraints. Experience temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, to vibrant districts like Khao San and Silom, to Bangkok’s glitzy, glamorous shopping malls. And, of course, Bangkok’s trademark urban chaos!

Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand

Located amid Thailand’s mountainous north, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s second-largest city. Although it’s a lot smaller – and, I would argue, less interesting – than Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a gateway to a multitude of other activities in northern Thailand.

Chiang Mai is the principal city of northern Thailand, but it’s by no means the only place to go. You could head to Chiang Rai, for example, the second-largest city in northern Thailand, or, to scenic Pai, which is nearby a huge national park.

Suggested time in Chiang Mai/Northern Thailand: 3-7 days

The Islands

For many travelers, “Thailand” is synonymous with “Phuket,” particularly in the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami. I’ve never personally been to Phuket – I have a terrible feeling it’s ruined, à la Bali – but I’ve spent plenty of time in the Thai islands, and I think no visit to Thailand is complete without some beach time.

Aside from Phuket, popular Thai islands include Koh Samui, Koh Chang and Koh Phagnan, where the famous “Full Moon” parties are held each month. Looking for more idyllic, less crowded beaches? Head to Koh Mak (which is near Koh Chang, of the southeastern coast of Thailand), or Koh Kradan, located a couple hours south of Phuket in the warm, tropical Andaman Sea.

If you have a short amount of time, I suggest you find an island that’s right for you, and camp out there for the duration of your trip. If you’ve got more time and a sense of adventure – long-tail boats are not for the faint of heart! – you might want to spend a few days island hopping.

Suggested time in the islands: 3-7 days

Other Thai Destinations

Whether you have more than two weeks to devote to your Thailand trip, or simply crammed Bangkok, the north and the islands into less than two weeks, there’s plenty more of Thailand to see.